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Best Behavior
Voices Are Not for Yelling
As parents and teachers know, yelling comes naturally to children. This friendly, encouraging book, geared to preschool and primary children, introduces and reinforces where and when to use an “indoor voice” or an “outdoor voice.” In classic Best Behavior style the author tells young readers, “Your voice is a powerful tool. How you use it is up to you.” Vivid illustrations show the times and places for an indoor voice, the ways people ask us to quiet our voices, and times when yelling might occur. “What happens if you’re mad or frustrated or really, really excited? Your voice gets louder and LOUDER.” But yelling hurts people’s ears and feelings. Children learn that they can quiet their voice and use their words to talk about a problem. “Think before you yell, and use your words well!” Includes a special section for parents and caregivers with activities and discussion starters.
The Best Behavior series uses simple words and delightful full-color illustrations to guide children to choose peaceful, positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two a durable board book for ages baby–preschool, and a longer, more in-depth paperback for ages 4–7. Kids, parents, and teach(more...)
The Best Behavior series uses simple words and delightful full-color illustrations to guide children to choose peaceful, positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two a durable board book for ages baby–preschool, and a longer, more in-depth paperback for ages 4–7. Kids, parents, and teach(more...)
40 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2015
7 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Verdick
168 books50 followersElizabeth Verdick has been writing books since 1997, the year her daughter was born. Her two children, now ages 13 and 8, are the inspiration for nearly everything she writes. Before becoming an author, Elizabeth edited books for children and parents.
These days she writes books for toddlers to teens, and everything in between. She especially loves creating new board book series for toddlers—the latest series is Toddler Tools™, which helps young children and their parents cope with those tough times and transitions that happen every day (like naptime and bedtime). The Best Behavior™ series helps toddlers reach new milestones and improve their day-to-day behavior.
Elizabeth also enjoys getting the chance to look at the funny side of life in the Laugh and Learn™ series, which helps kids ages 8–13 get a handle on the social/emotional skills they’re developing throughout the elementary– and middle school years. Elizabeth lives with her family and five pets near St. Paul, Minnesota.
These days she writes books for toddlers to teens, and everything in between. She especially loves creating new board book series for toddlers—the latest series is Toddler Tools™, which helps young children and their parents cope with those tough times and transitions that happen every day (like naptime and bedtime). The Best Behavior™ series helps toddlers reach new milestones and improve their day-to-day behavior.
Elizabeth also enjoys getting the chance to look at the funny side of life in the Laugh and Learn™ series, which helps kids ages 8–13 get a handle on the social/emotional skills they’re developing throughout the elementary– and middle school years. Elizabeth lives with her family and five pets near St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 16, 2020
Read this a while ago. Didn't realize it made such an impression until 4yo melted down today because the music teacher said to shout the word "happy." "That's not an inside voice!!!!" she screamed. She had to leave class.
August 22, 2025
Voices Are Not for Yelling starts off contrasting an inside voice which is quiet with an outside voice, which is loud. It offers up some reasons why one might want to use their outside voice while inside, such as excitement, anger, and when you really want to be heard. Then it tells us that voices aren't for yelling and the reasons why: 1) yelling hurts our ears and 2) yelling hurts our feelings. It tells the child that using your inside voice helps people to hear your words and not your yelling. Then the book goes through a series of steps to help you calm your voice: breathing slowly and deeply until your body calms down. Then it's time to use your words to state what you need or want. The adult in the book thanks the child for using their words and reassures the child that she's there to listen. The book then offers some good things we can use our voices for: laughing, talking, helping, and saying "I love you." The book ends with some additional tips and information for parents.
Yelling is a natural response to anger, excitement, and a desire to be heard, as the book mentions. All kids can easily find themselves yelling. We have at least one child in our house who struggles with emotional regulation and reacts with yelling when things become overwhelming to them. Books like this are great options to bring in information to the child in a way that doesn't feel like an attack on them or their character. But don't think if you have a child who struggles with regulating emotions, simply reading a book to them about not yelling is going to solve your problem. It's a tool to be used, not a solution.
Voices Are Not for Yelling is a great book, especially for younger kids. Any child who might struggle with yelling could benefit from this book as the way the book is laid out focuses on the benefits of not yelling and using one's voice properly. But this isn't a solution if you have a problem with yelling in your house. Voices Are Not for Yelling gets 4 Stars. Have you or your child read Voices Are Not for Yelling? What did you think? Let me know!
Yelling is a natural response to anger, excitement, and a desire to be heard, as the book mentions. All kids can easily find themselves yelling. We have at least one child in our house who struggles with emotional regulation and reacts with yelling when things become overwhelming to them. Books like this are great options to bring in information to the child in a way that doesn't feel like an attack on them or their character. But don't think if you have a child who struggles with regulating emotions, simply reading a book to them about not yelling is going to solve your problem. It's a tool to be used, not a solution.
Voices Are Not for Yelling is a great book, especially for younger kids. Any child who might struggle with yelling could benefit from this book as the way the book is laid out focuses on the benefits of not yelling and using one's voice properly. But this isn't a solution if you have a problem with yelling in your house. Voices Are Not for Yelling gets 4 Stars. Have you or your child read Voices Are Not for Yelling? What did you think? Let me know!
October 24, 2020
This book is wonderful for toddlers because it teaches them the differences of inside and outside voices. It also talks about how sometimes that's it's okay to yell inside for only certain reasons. I like how the teacher jumps in and tell the students to take deep breathes to calm down and use your words when mad instead of yelling. This will be a good book to teach my own children/students.
January 22, 2018
Among those books that should be included in early year classrooms. Nice way to explain "inside voice" to a child.
July 7, 2019
This book has English and Spanish throughout the story. Loved it.
October 23, 2024
Cute book to use in the classroom to teach that voices are NOT for yelling!
February 15, 2025
Definitely for age 4-7 as stated, but T liked (at 2 yrs) and wanted to read over and over (when rephrased). Was not effective at teaching not to yell at 2 yrs.
March 20, 2015
All the books in the Best Behavior series have many similarities, like the illustrations that include culturally diverse characters. They generally start off with positive examples, then show when a certain behavior or choice is not appropriate, and finally show better alternatives and reiterate the positive message. In this case, we see people using their voices to talk, laugh, sing, and joke. In some cases the characters use quiet inside voices, and in others they use louder voices outside. But the book also explains that using a loud voice and yelling hurts everyone's ears and their feelings. It is better to use a quieter voice so that listeners pay attention to the words, rather than how loudly they are said.
Each book in the series also contains tips for parents and teachers on how to use the book with children and activities (in this case - to help them practice the different kinds of voices and when to use them).
A complete set of all the books would be good for teachers of younger children, guidance counselors, and other caregivers.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Each book in the series also contains tips for parents and teachers on how to use the book with children and activities (in this case - to help them practice the different kinds of voices and when to use them).
A complete set of all the books would be good for teachers of younger children, guidance counselors, and other caregivers.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
July 13, 2015
I love the Best Behaviour series. I have read all of them with my kids, and have been known to have one or two in my bag sometimes when I know I'm going to be covering a primary years class.
I have three boys, who all seem to want to talk at the same time, which results in plenty of yelling in our home, sometimes angry, sometimes excited, sometimes just unexplainable. This book has such a lovely way of reminding kids (and adults who forget, too) about the ways we use our voices and the effects those ways can have on the people around us.
My boys (7yo and 5yo twins) love the illustrations in this book, and they're at the point where they enjoy trying to read for themselves what the people in the illustrations are saying. We can act out the different types of voices, and mimic what the people in the illustrations are doing, too, which really makes the concepts come to life. It's a fun way to tackle a challenging problem.
My favourite part, by far, though, is the section at the back with the tips and suggestions for parents and educators. These really help get the most out of the book.
**ARC received through NetGalley for review**
I have three boys, who all seem to want to talk at the same time, which results in plenty of yelling in our home, sometimes angry, sometimes excited, sometimes just unexplainable. This book has such a lovely way of reminding kids (and adults who forget, too) about the ways we use our voices and the effects those ways can have on the people around us.
My boys (7yo and 5yo twins) love the illustrations in this book, and they're at the point where they enjoy trying to read for themselves what the people in the illustrations are saying. We can act out the different types of voices, and mimic what the people in the illustrations are doing, too, which really makes the concepts come to life. It's a fun way to tackle a challenging problem.
My favourite part, by far, though, is the section at the back with the tips and suggestions for parents and educators. These really help get the most out of the book.
**ARC received through NetGalley for review**
May 2, 2017
I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This neat little book provides tons of examples for little ones to understand the difference between indoor and outdoor voices, and what voices sound like when we are mad or excited - and why using our loud voices just to be heard does not actually help people hear our words, because all they hear is how loud the voice is. I don't know that I would use this in my classroom specifically, as it is a little young for my 4-6 graders, but it could certainly be great for a primary behavior skills room. I would also read this - repeatedly - to my own little one who loves to scream and shout and be loud often. The illustrations went nicely with the text and there were many great examples with each kind of voice.
This neat little book provides tons of examples for little ones to understand the difference between indoor and outdoor voices, and what voices sound like when we are mad or excited - and why using our loud voices just to be heard does not actually help people hear our words, because all they hear is how loud the voice is. I don't know that I would use this in my classroom specifically, as it is a little young for my 4-6 graders, but it could certainly be great for a primary behavior skills room. I would also read this - repeatedly - to my own little one who loves to scream and shout and be loud often. The illustrations went nicely with the text and there were many great examples with each kind of voice.
April 19, 2020
Voices Are Not For Yelling teaches children about inside vs. outside voices, and what to do when you are upset rather than yelling. It discusses the consequences of yelling, such as scaring people or hurting their feelings. There is a handy guide at the back for caregivers on how to read the book to kids, various activities and techniques to work on, and how to address concerns like fighting and yelling at home. This book is a useful tool for behavioral modification and emotional identification.
NOTE: I received an ARC copy of this book on NetGalley. I received no incentive to read or review this book other than said copy of work. The review below contains my own thoughts and opinions. Special thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the free copy.
NOTE: I received an ARC copy of this book on NetGalley. I received no incentive to read or review this book other than said copy of work. The review below contains my own thoughts and opinions. Special thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the free copy.
July 31, 2015
This is definitely a ‘teaching’ book. I would personally recommend it be read to small groups instead of whole class circle time. That way, teacher or parent can allow the child(ren) to interact with the book and answer the many questions throughout it. The book is written with simple text that is easy for children to understand and follow along. It asks questions throughout giving children an opportunity to think, question and participate.
It comes in two versions, a board book (Yay me!) and one for 4 – 7 year olds. Each is appropriately tailored to that particular age group.
It comes in two versions, a board book (Yay me!) and one for 4 – 7 year olds. Each is appropriately tailored to that particular age group.
December 28, 2023
This book was an incredible five star book! I really enjoyed reading to my kids about learning to use your indoor voices. Their favorite parts seemed to be the Loud parts of the book where the reader should yell. My favorite part is the added information in the back of the book. This part teaches caregivers how to teach children to use their indoor voices and how to discipline without yelling. It also teaches caregivers and children alike what to do if yelling goes on in the home. The book was 4/5 stars itself but the added information in the back was definitely worth another star!
June 8, 2020
2020 - The girls enjoy this series of books quite a lot. They are brandy for reinforcing for Maddie how she will behave when she starts kindergarten.
2015 - I think this would be a great resource for classrooms of younger children. The illustrations are inclusive. I liked that the book started out positively, then introduced the problem and solution. I did think perhaps there could have been coverage of when yelling is okay - for help, cheering for something, etc.
2015 - I think this would be a great resource for classrooms of younger children. The illustrations are inclusive. I liked that the book started out positively, then introduced the problem and solution. I did think perhaps there could have been coverage of when yelling is okay - for help, cheering for something, etc.
July 30, 2015
Perfect book to discuss this common issue in prek-k classrooms. I thought this book handled topic well and had engaging illustrations. Didn't feel too preachy. The end gives teachers a lot of practical tips/activities for teaching this book.
March 28, 2015
I liked this book because when I was reading it it felt like I was the characters because I was doing the voices for them.
June 15, 2025
🗣💦 Don't play with my emotions
October 1, 2015
This is a good book to show kids on what an inside voice is, and an outside voice.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews